Experts fear COVID-19 can cause long-term cardiac injuries: Coronavirus Australia live

There are growing concerns over a potentially deadly COVID-19 symptom, which can cause "lasting damage" long after the virus disappears. 

A former neuroscientist and respected health and science reporter has revealed an alarming, potential long-term symptom of COVID-19.

Writing for The Guardian, Dr David Cox claimed that the coronavirus can leave patients with "lasting heart damage long after the initial symptoms have dissipated".

He reported that the worrying after-effect was first noticed by Wuhan doctors in the early days of the pandemic who noted a significant number of coronavirus cases were admitted to intensive care wards with myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle, and cited several studies which showed a significant number of coronavirus patients were experiencing "cardiac injuries".

While not all COVID-19 sufferers will experience that particular side effect – and while many of those who do will recover – Dr Cox said cardiologists were growing increasingly worried by the fact that even those who experience only mild virus symptoms can be "at risk of developing heart problems".

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Updates

1:10 am October 5, 2020 Highlight

Trump 'upbeat and assertive'

One of US President Donald Trump's election campaign senior advisers has given an update on his condition.

Speaking on Fox News Sunday, campaign adviser Steve Cortes said Mr Trump was "doing well" as he began his third day in hospital.

"He's doing well … We spoke to the president yesterday, we meaning senior campaign staff … He was as upbeat and assertive as he's ever been," Mr Cortes said.

He said the video released by Mr Trump yesterday showed "Donald Trump the fighter speaking directly to the American people extemporaneously for four minutes, looking good, sounding good and of course most importantly of all we know what his doctor said which is his progress has been incredible."

"This president is going to recover, we are highly confident of that," he added.

11:56 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

'Balderdash': BoJo denies COVID claim

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has hit back at rumours about his health more than six months after he was struck down with coronavirus.

Speaking with the BBC's Andrew Marr, Mr Johnson denied suffering from "long COVID" – or long-lasting symptoms of the virus.

"It's drivel. It's not tittle-tattle. It's balderdash. I am fitter than several butcher's dogs," he said.

"The issue is that when I alas got this wretched thing, I was too fat. And if I may say so, this is a teachable moment for our great country.

"We are one of the greatest places on earth but alas as a nation, we are slightly too fat. We are fatter than virtually anybody else in Europe, apart from the Maltese for some reason. And we need to think about this."

The PM spent three days in intensive care after testing positive to COVID-19 in late March.

11:01 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Supporters flock to Trump hospital

US President Donald Trump has taken to Twitter to thank supporters who rallied outside the Walter Reed Medical Centre where he is being treated for coronavirus.

Large crowds had gathered at the hospital last night US time, with Trump supporters bearing flags and signs wishing the President well and chanting slogans such as "We love Trump".

However, the crowds have been widely criticised on social media, with many criticising attendees for failing to practice social distancing or wear masks.

Thank you so much! https://t.co/UL6P5lRjZI

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 4, 2020

10:41 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Global cases near 35 million

The number of worldwide coronavirus cases in nearly 35 million, according to Johns Hopkins University.

The sobering statistic comes as the global death toll sits at 1,033,678.

The US is leading the world with 7,383,244 cases followed by India with 6,549,373, Brazil with 4,906,833, Russia with 1,209,039 and Colombia with 848,147.

9:50 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

UK PM urges Trump to 'follow doctors' advice'

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has weighed in on Donald Trump's coronavirus diagnosis six months after battling the illness himself.

Mr Johnson contracted COVID-19 in late March and became so ill he spent three nights in intensive care.

After his recovery, he revealed the situation had been so dire "things could have gone either way" – and now, he has shared some advice for the US President.

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday he believed Mr Trump "is going to be fine" and that he had "the best possible care".

But he reminded his US counterpart that "the most important thing to do is follow his doctors’ advice."

9:38 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Internet loses it over erotic COVID novel

A racy new coronavirus-inspired romance is making waves online.

Kissing the Coronavirus, by MJ Edwards, tells the story of Dr Alexa Ashingtonford who is searching for a COVID cure – before falling for the virus.

The "steamy tale about forbidden love and dark desires come to life" has an average rating of 2.47 on Goodreads and 3.9 on Amazon.

It's the author's debut novel, and was written as "her attempt at trying to pay the bills following her job loss".

. @siddharth3 brought this to my notice and I am now scarred beyond repair.

I also want to read it. Just for science. pic.twitter.com/OuoRwKzutS

— Narayani Basu (@narayani_basu) September 29, 2020

8:30 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Scary virus after-effect revealed

Former neuroscientist and respected health and science reporter David Cox has revealed an alarming potential long-term symptom of COVID-19.

Writing for The Guardian, Dr Cox claimed that the coronavirus can leave patients with "lasting heart damage long after the initial symptoms have dissipated".

He reported that the worrying after-effect was first noticed by Wuhan doctors in the early days of the pandemic who noted a significant number of coronavirus cases were admitted to intensive care wards with myocarditis or inflammation of the heart muscle, and cited several studies which showed a significant number of coronavirus patients were experiencing "cardiac injuries".

While not all COVID-19 sufferers will experience that particular side effect – and while many of those who do will recover – Dr Cox said cardiologists were growing increasingly worried by the fact that even those who experience only mild virus symptoms can be "at risk of developing heart problems".

8:03 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Two test results Trump doctors must share

CNN's medical analyst Kent Sepkowitz has claimed President Donald Trump's doctors have given "very little information" about his true condition, arguing Americans "must receive a more complete and useful medical report".

Writing for the publication, Dr Sepkowitz said medics needed to be transparent about whether the President is or has been receiving oxygen support, and whether he receiving the "potent" anti-inflammation steroid, dexamethasone, which can alleviate lung inflammation.

But Dr Sepkowitz said it was essential that doctors share two specific test results "as part of the daily briefing".

Firstly, he demanded answers regarding Mr Trump's white blood cell count, as very low levels of lymphocytes in coronavirus patients can indicate "trouble ahead".

He said it was also vital to receive test results of Mr Trump's mental condition, as the coronavirus can cause "brain fog", with the worrying symptom potentially lasting for "weeks and months".

7:23 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Biden team to announce all COVID tests

Presidential hopeful Joe Biden has promised to take regular coronavirus tests and publicly share all results.

“We have adhered to strict and extensive safety practices recommended by public health experts and doctors in all of our campaigning — including social distancing, mask wearing, and additional safeguards,” campaign spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement, according to the Washington Post.

“Vice President Biden is being tested regularly, and we will be releasing the results of each test.”

7:13 pm October 4, 2020 Highlight

Banking giant's $1m offer to small businesses

NAB has revealed a new loan especially for small businesses, offering up to $1 million with no repayments required in the first six months.

NAB Group Executive for Business and Private Banking Andrew Irvine said the new NAB Business Support Loan was devised in response to the Federal Government’s revised Coronavirus SME Guarantee Scheme.

“Australia has had our support from the beginning of this pandemic, and we are doing everything we can to support businesses to get through to the other side," he said.

“It is our responsibility to keep lending and supporting our customers. Every month through this crisis we’ve provided around $2.4 billion to businesses and we stand ready to do even more.

“I encourage customers to get in touch to discuss this new loan and other options we have available to help them get through this.”